Rossi scores in La Liga debut; Barca draws

• by Soccer America , Aug 27, 2007

[SPAIN] Giuseppe Rossi, a 20-year-old New Jersey product who now represents Italy, scored in his Spanish La Liga debut for Villarreal, converting a penalty kick in a 3-0 win over regional rival Valencia. Rossi left the USA at age 13 for the youth program of Italian club Parma, which sold him in 2004 to Manchester United. Last season he was back in Parma, saving it from relegation with nine goals in 19 games. Also on the first weekend of the La Liga season Sevilla defender Antonio Puerta suffered two cardiac arrests during his team's 4-1 win over Getafe. And Barcelona disappointed.

Puerta, a 22-year-old Spain defender, lost consciousness and fell in the first half, but was able to walk off minutes later after being treated by team doctors.

He again lost consciousness in the locker room, was rushed to the hospital and admitted to an intensive care unit.

Barcelona's quest to retake the title from Real Madrid began with 0-0 tie at 10-man Racing Santander.

Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid, 2-1, on goals by Raul and Wesley Sneijder.